Born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Tanya studied Biology and Chemistry at the University of Waterloo (BSc Co-op 1990), Biophysics as a Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) scholar (PhD 1996) at Ottawa University and the National Research Council (NRC), X-ray crystallography at Purdue University as an NSERC postdoctoral fellow, and advanced microscopy as a NSERC visiting fellow at NRC. Tanya was appointed an Assistant Professor at the University of Regina (UofR, 1999) where she launched the atomic force microscopy (AFM) facility. The Dahms group pioneered techniques to study the surface ultrastructure and physical properties associated with mechanisms of polarized and non-polarized growth in whole, live cells of fungi (Aspergillus nidulans) and moss (Physcomitrella patens) by AFM. Now a Full Professor, Dahms and her group study the impact of xenobiotics on cells using advanced microscopy and biochemical methods. The group has collectively explored an assortment of mechanisms for pathogenic (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli) and mutualistic (Rhizobium leguminosarum) bacteria, and opportunistic fungal/yeast pathogens (A. nidulans, Candida albicans and krusei).  We use a battery of microscopy techniques including AFM, fluorescence, laser scanning confocal (two-photon), transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and near-field interferomic infrared AFM (ALS, Berkeley) to complement traditional and modern (metabolomics, proteomics) biochemical approaches. 

Of special interest to the group is how xenobiotics, such as herbicides and antifungals, impact nontarget (microbes, human cells) and target (opportunistic pathogens) organisms, respectively. Towards this end, the group has recently developed integrated correlative AFM-laser scanning confocal microscopy assays that generate multiplexed “cellulomic” response data. These new tools allow for the assessment of environmental impact and antimicrobial combination therapies on the nanoscale. Dahms’ research is currently supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation. Dahms has been the recipient of various awards, including a visiting fellowship to the National Institutes of Health, AstraZeneca Research Award, Canadian Cancer Society Award and the YMCA Woman of the Year Award. 

 For more info click here for Dr. Dahms' CV.

PhD Candidate

Research interests: Biochemistry, Microbiology, Microscopy

Research aims: My research focuses on human fungal pathogen C. albicans, with aim of identifying monoterpenoids as novel antifungals for patients suffering from invasive Candidiasis.

PhD Candidate

Research interests: Host-Pathogen Interactions, Atomic Force Microscopy, Cancer

Research aims: My research is uncovering the link between host-pathogen interactions, specifically between Candida spp. and human epithelial cells, and cancer development. 

MSc Candidate

Research interests: Antifungals, azoles, biofilm attenuation, cell biology, Candida albicans, microscopy, nanomaterials, Nakaseomyces glabratus

Research aims: My research is aims to discover novel azole-based antifungals to treat candidiasis. In this context, I will examine cytotoxicity to fungi and host cells, host-pathogen interactions and their delivery through nanoparticles.

MSc Candidate

Research interests: Antifungal mechanisms, essential oil components, biofilm attenuation, Candida albicans

Research aims: My research is aims to how cell wall stress is linked to signalling and ultimately cell wall division and morphogenesis in Candida albicans.

BSc (Honours) Candidate

Research interests: Cervical cancer, Candida albicans

Research aims: My research is investigating the role of Candida albicans in cervical cancer development and progression.